The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1887-05-14

suaARrowN, La, April 26, 1887.

SUaARToWN, La, April 70, 1881.
Editor Lake Charles Echo;
To even the non-inteFested, easual
observer, it must be readily under
stood, and tacitly admitted if not ex-
pressed, that ours is period of noted
improvement and manifest develop
mcnt in the Sonth. Those of the
rising generation may well consider
themselves the fortunate recipients OF
energy's bright examples, such OK.
amples as are required to indellibly
imprint upon the mind and heart the
first rudiments of a high and noble
character, they growing up under the
influence of almost every type OF inn
provement. Where once lnrked the
smphibious reptile, in his native miry
home, now is gathered the golden
sheayes of harvest; where once the
forest bloomed, shedding its fragrance
upon the fitting breeze, and with q
canopy of green, towering between
earth and sky, shutting off the bril-
liant rays of the sun, now the farmer
tiIIs the fertile soil, sows the seeds,
and gathers bis produce; and where
once the lonely hilltop was visited
only by the beast of the forest, in his
search of prey, now cuFls the smoke
from the cottage of an energetic and
prosperous family. And while such
improvement is practicable, has actu-
ally been accomplished, and will be
still further prosecuted, we are glad
to say that such intelligence is not
confined in our own narrow limits.
The man of the South may know
and realize the advantageous charac-
teristics of our country, yet the man
of the North both realizes and appre-
ciates them according to their supe-
rioF worth, when he becomes ac-
qualnted with the same. A contrast
is necessary to afford the proper ap-
probation of any advantage, eorFe-
spending disadvantage otherwise not
being taken into consideration.
There being exceptions to almost all
rules, we must admit the same with
reference to certain parts of our own
parish. Agriculture being our chief
industry, all other enterprises are de
pendent thereon. Throughout the in
undated parts, visited by last June's
rise, a personal intercourse proves a
worse state of affairs than was for,
merly thought TO exist. 10 connec,
tion with q short crop the previous
year, the result of irregular seasons,
last years crop was almost totally
lost, the consequence of which may
be easily recognized. This Of course
only applies to those whose planta-
tlons are situated on or near streams
Adverse though it is, the energy Of
our farmers is by no means lessened,
While they realize their condition,
they seem also to realize the proper
mode of reeoyery--a vigorous exer
else Of industry. While many have
abandoned the bottoms, though the
land is fertile, and sought homes upon
regions more elevated, others have
remained, hoping the rare incident oi
overflow may no more occur; anC
where once the water riffied in its mac
career of destruction, now beautifully
thrives q growing crop.
Until quite recently the high hope
of the farmer for the present croI
were fast declining, protFactet
drouth seeming TO defy every effor
toward agricultural snccess, smal
gram being unable to mature, while
/ great deal of the leading staple re
mained implanted; bnt on the 22t
inst, to the delight Of all, the droutl
was broken by heavy rainfall, whicl
sets all vegetation in good condition
| All are quite busy finishing thei
planting, that which was hitherto pre-
vented BY the drouth, and 10 working
other parts more advanced. Prospect
are very bright now.
While we speak in decided term
Of the improvement Of our parish, "
yet must admit certain significant dc
fects greatly retarding the same, N
most prominent Of which is the grea
drawback Of illiteraey which prevail
among US. With such unfoFtnnat
\ classes, many times the best counsel
UNDECIDED, and the best advantage
are not embraced. in this matter
sudden revolution is impossible, but
gradual change will finally accom-
plisb the desired end, Many com
munities have hitherto been PRACTICAL
unable to support schools, from wan
Of sufficient number; bpt as oppol
tunity presents, we are glad to se
them laying hold of this great adyar
tage. We bad the pleasure Of pei
sonally witnessing ap example Of tbi
character III the closing exercises (
Harmony School, which was abl
taught BY Mrs +. F. Johnson. Man
schools Of higher pretensions fail t
show the skill Of instruction wbic
was exhibited BY her students. "
recommend the patrons tor the inte
est they manifested, and urge thel
by all means to continue this goo
work. ~ u. ~
a sure Ealing.
There are very few things ip y
: life Of which We may be absolute